Is Mesothelioma a Cancer?Mesothelioma typically begins in the layers of tissue that cover every lung (the pleura). It can also begin in the peritoneum, a layer of tissue covering organs in your abdomen.Doctors can diagnose the disease by taking a tissue or fluid sample from the tumor. They then examine the cells under a microscope to determine whether they are cancerous.What is mesothelioma? mesothelioma lung cancer affects the linings of the chest and abdomen. It can also affect the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can cause mutations in the cells. These changes can lead to growth of tumors and mesothelioma cancerous cells spreading throughout the body. The most common mesothelioma forms are the peritoneal and pleural forms.Symptoms can include coughing, breathing difficulties and weight loss. Other symptoms include pain in the chest or abdomen. The symptoms can vary based on the type of mesothelioma and where it is situated. A buildup of fluid in the chest cavity could cause breathlessness in some people with pleural msothelioma. It can be eliminated with the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). People suffering from peritoneal Msothelioma might feel abdominal or stomach discomfort as well as fatigue and an overall feeling of fullness.Mesothelioma is diagnosed based on a medical history or a physical examination. Doctors will ask the patient about any symptoms they may have and their exposure to asbestos in the past. They will also order imaging tests to evaluate the tumor or the fluid that surrounds it. These tests can include X-rays and CT scans. They may also include PET or MRI scans. Doctors will examine the blood of the patient to see the presence of certain proteins that could indicate mesothelioma.When doctors are determining the stage of mesothelioma they will consider the types of cells in the tumor and the speed at which it has spread. The majority of mesotheliomas comprise epithelioid cell, which is more easily removed by surgery. They have a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid cells, which are more aggressive in nature and can grow faster. Between 20 and 30 percent of mesotheliomas comprise combined of these two cell types.It is often difficult for doctors due to the low prevalence of mesothelioma to recognize it. It is often misdiagnosed, for example as lung cancer or pneumonia. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can delay treatment and reduce the quality of life of patients. It is therefore important to seek a specialist's opinion regarding a mesothelioma diagnosis such as an Oncologist. If the mesothelioma has already spread, a specialist can determine the best treatment options.What are the signs of mesothelioma?The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and stage. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from fatigue, abdominal pain, or abdominal pain. Other signs include swelling of the chest or neck and breathing difficulties due to fluid accumulation on the chest wall or lungs (pleural effusion).Patients should seek medical attention when they begin to notice symptoms. Doctors may conduct a physical exam and assess the patient's history of exposure to asbestos. They may refer the patient to an expert in mesothelioma.X-rays or CT scans are often used to identify the signs of mesothelioma. They can detect a tumor or cavity in the chest. These tests can also identify fluid buildup between the chest wall and the lungs that is usually associated with pleural mesothelioma.It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Therefore, patients are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. The diagnosis may be made up to one year after the initial appearance of symptoms.The initial diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on the symptoms, the exposure to asbestos, and the results of imaging and blood tests. To confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, doctors will need to perform a biopsy of the affected tissue. This is accomplished by inserting a needle into the affected area and removing tiny amounts of tissue to be examined.These samples can be used by medical professionals to determine what type of cell causes mesothelioma, and the speed at which it will expand. Tumors are made up of epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells or a mixture of both. The cellular type determines the speed at which mesothelioma is spread to other organs of your body, like the lymph nodes and heart.In addition to these tests procedures, patients with suspected mesothelioma will need to undergo physical therapy and other treatments to help manage their condition. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should also consult an expert in mental health to address the psychological effects of the disease and to locate support groups.What are the causes of mesothelioma cancer?Scientists don't know the exact cause of mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is the most frequent cause. Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals used in many ways in both industrial and construction manufacturing. Workers in blue-collar jobs in the 1930s through the early 1980s were exposed in huge amounts to asbestos at their work places, and were not aware of the dangers. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they could become lodged inside the interior organs, such as the abdomen, lungs, and the pericardium (the membrane that surrounds the heart). Mesothelioma is a result of these cells begin to multiply out of control, and eventually form tumors.Although doctors don't have an examination for mesothelioma that can be used to screen, if someone is diagnosed with the disease, it is usually based on a mix of tests. Imaging scans of the chest or abdomen might reveal a lump or swelling, or accumulation of fluid. Doctors may also perform a biopsy, which entails inserting a needle into mesothelioma to remove cells that can be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.Depending on the extent to which the cancer has spread and which part of the body is affected, other tests could be conducted to determine the stage. These tests may include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs and echocardiograms (which check the structure of your heart), and mediastinoscopy.It is crucial to consult your doctor if experiencing symptoms that indicate mesothelioma. A thorough physical exam as well as an examination of your work history will help identify whether you have been exposed to asbestos. Your doctor will treat a mesothelioma diagnose seriously and refer you to an expert for further testing.Since mesothelioma is a rare cancer and often misdiagnosed at first. This can result in delays in treatment and accelerate the disease. In the end, it is imperative to seek an additional opinion from a qualified doctor, particularly if smoke. A reputable mesothelioma physician can assist you in getting the most effective treatment and a favorable prognosis.What are the treatments for mesothelioma?There are many treatment options that are available to patients with mesothelioma. The treatment method chosen depends on a number of factors such as the stage of the cancer and where it has spread throughout the body. The aim is to improve a patient's health, reduce symptoms and prevent the cancer from returning.Doctors employ a combination of physical examinations, medical tests, and imaging scans to determine if mesothelioma is the cause of the person's symptoms. In many cases, doctors have to request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of the fluids or tissue from the tumor to be examined under microscope.Asbestos victims may qualify for financial assistance to pay for mesothelioma treatments. Asbestos sufferers should consult an expert in mesothelioma and receive an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma in order to improve their chances of receiving correct treatment. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can delay treatment and give the cancer time to spread.In the lungs, mesothelioma surgery is usually performed to relieve breathlessness or other symptoms caused by mesothelioma. Doctors may perform an pleural pneumonectomy, for instance, to eliminate the affected lung tissue, the lining within the chest cavity, as well as a part of the diaphragm. They can also perform an op with pulmonary decortication to remove as much mesothelioma as is possible.For those suffering from mesothelioma peritoneal, doctors can treat the tumors through the use of a tube through the abdomen into the abdominal cavity to eliminate any fluid that is accumulating inside. They may also employ radiation therapy to shrink the tumors. Chemotherapy can be used to treat mesothelioma.Researchers continue to investigate ways to detect mesothelioma earlier. One method under study uses blood tests to determine the levels of a substance released by mesothelioma cancer cells into the bloodstream. This could help doctors recognize the disease earlier and may save lives. Patients with mesothelioma should talk with their doctor about taking part in a clinical trial for mesothelioma that helps to develop new treatments that could prolong the time to survival. The mesothelioma community offers support for patients as well as their families including local support groups and accommodation programs for families of sick patients, mesothelioma information call centers, and rides to treatment.